Course details
This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.
Prerequisite(s)
- Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.
Credits
3.0
Cost
$790.10
Course offerings
Spring/Summer 2023
Below is one offering of FSCT 8320 for the Spring/Summer 2023 term.
CRN 55303
Duration
Mon Apr 24 - Mon Jun 26 (10 weeks)
- 10 weeks
- CRN 55303
- $790.10
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 24 - Jun 26 | N/A | N/A | Online |
| Jun 18 - Jun 25 | Sat | 09:00 - 17:00 | Burnaby SW01 Rm. 2009 |
| Jun 18 - Jun 25 | Sat | 09:00 - 17:00 | Burnaby SW01 Rm. 3010 |
Instructor
Dom Toa
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Cost
$790.10
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
-
This Hybrid offering will mostly be online with two (2) in person classes (Sunday June 18 and 25) 0900-1700 at the Burnaby campus. Lab Coats are REQUIRED for this course and are available for purchase at the BCIT bookstore: bit.ly/3DrARrt . Students who have been accepted into a Forensics program where this course is a part of the matrix may register without any further approvals. There is no required textbook for this offering. Students who are not currently accepted in a Forensics program or, if this course is NOT part of your program matrix, please contact the Program Assistants for departmental approval at BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca. For information on Forensic programs and courses, please visit: www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics .
Status
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course the student will be able to:
- Explain the history of fingerprint individualization.
- Define friction skin and how it is formed.
- Explain and defend, through scientific knowledge, how fingerprint individualization can be so positive and infallible.
- Define the composition of ecrine sweat.
- Explain the requirements of a properly obtained known set of fingerprints and demonstrate correct techniques.
- Explain both the Henry, Auto-Class classification systems and RTID.
- Explain how a fingerprint comparison is conducted and demonstrate correct techniques.
- Explain crime scene techniques for latent fingerprint examination and recovery.
- Explain chemical techniques for latent fingerprint examination.
- Define and understand the Identification of Criminals Act.
- Discuss various aspects of an expert witness in the Canadian court system.
Effective as of Fall 2015
Related Programs
The Science of Fingerprints - Theory (FSCT 8320) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
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